Size
13,000ac
Boat Launch
Carry-in Launch
Toilet
No
Boat Dock
Species in Turtle-Flambeau Flowage
Bluegill
Walleye
Pumpkinseed
Crappie
Muskellunge
Smallmouth bass
Rock bass
Sturgeon
Largemouth bass
Perch
Tiger muskellunge
Northern pike
Overview
Preserved by the state, this area is a Mecca to both land and water recreation. Walleye are the dominant species. Trophy muskie over 50 are taken. Smallmouth numbers are increasing. 14,326 acres
Turtle-Flambeau Flowage Map
Fishing Regulations
Special Fishing Regulations: This lake has special fishing regulations that differ from statewide or border water regulations for those species identified below and take precedence. Regulations listed below are currently in place. Visit the fishing regulations page for links to upcoming regulations for specific lakes.
Special Waterbody Regulations
- Catch and release fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open year round unless otherwise noted. Motor Trolling is allowed with 1 hook, bait, or lure per angler, and 3 hooks, baits, or lures maximum per boat.
Special Species Regulations
- Hybrid, Striped, Yellow, and White Bass: See Rock, Yellow and White Bass.
- Trout and salmon: See Trout regulations layer.
- White perch: Open all year: The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office
- Bluegill: See Panfish.
- Channel catfish: See Catfish.
- Flathead catfish: See Catfish.
- Crappies: Open all year: Minimum length for crappies is 10” and bag limit for panfish is 10 in total
- Shovelnose sturgeon: Closed. No fishing allowed.
- Ruffe: Open all year: The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office
- Round goby: Open all year: The daily bag limit is 0, one may be killed and possessed for transport to a WDNR Office
- Rough fish: Open all year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited
- Rock, Yellow, and White Bass: Open all year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited
- Paddlefish: Closed. No fishing allowed.
- Smallmouth bass: May 3, 2025 to June 20, 2025: Fish may not be harvested (catch and release only)
- Largemouth bass: May 3, 2025 to June 20, 2025: No minimum length, but largemouth bass from 14” to 18” may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 18 is allowed. The daily bag limit is 5
- Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass: June 21, 2025 to March 1, 2026: No minimum length, but largemouth bass and smallmouth bass from 14” to 18” may not be kept, and only 1 fish over 18 is allowed. The daily bag limit is 5
- Northern pike: May 3, 2025 to March 1, 2026: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 5
- Muskellunge and hybrids: May 24, 2025 to December 31, 2025: The minimum length limit is 50”, and the daily bag limit is 1
- Lake sturgeon: Closed. No fishing allowed.
- Cisco and whitefish: Open all year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10
- Catfish: Open all year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10
- Bullheads: Open all year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is unlimited
- Walleye, Saugers, and Hybrids: May 3, 2025 to March 1, 2026: Walleye must be at least 12 inches, and only one may be over 15 inches. The daily bag limit is 3
- Bowfin: See Rough Fish.
- Panfish: Open all year: No minimum length limit and the daily bag limit is 10
- Walleye: See Walleye, Sauger, and Hybrids.
- Urban waters gamefish: This waterbody is not considered an urban water, Urban Waters Gamefish regulations do not apply.
- Shortnose gar: See Rough Fish.
- Sauger and hybrids: See Walleye, Sauger, and Hybrids.
- Longnose gar: See Rough Fish.
Features
The “wild and wonderful” Turtle Flambeau remains one of Wisconsin’s outstanding fishing destinations. The flowage was created in 1926 when the Chippewa and Flambeau Improvement Company constructed a dam on the Flambeau River. The dam flooded 11 natural lakes and formed an impoundment of 14,326 acres. In 1990 the State of Wisconsin purchased 12,000 acres of surrounding land, 114 miles of shoreline and 195 islands. The outstanding wilderness aesthetics are a major attraction. The Turtle Flambeau Flowage is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to protect the plant and wildlife communities and preserve its scenic qualities. The Wisconsin DNR allows primitive camping on a first-come first-serve basis at designated sites. The camping areas are only accessible by water and at the present time, a fee is not charged. The flowage has the highest number of bald eagle, osprey and common loon breeding pairs in any Wisconsin lake. Shore birds and migratory waterfowl use the flowage as a breeding and staging area. Anglers and boaters should be aware of the many unmarked shallow rock bars and submerged stumps that can cause navigation problems. Floating wood is always a consideration for navigation.
Forage
Walleye prey heavily on young-of-the-year perch and minnow species. Mayfly larvae and crayfish are significant for walleye and smallmouth bass. Muskie feed primarily on white sucker. Golden shiner and bluntnose minnows are also present. Small numbers of cisco are present in the deeper water of the main lake basins.
Seasonal Movements
The largest concentration of spawning walleye occurs at the Turtle River inlet below Lake of the Falls. This area is protected as a seasonal fish refuge during the spawning period. Spawning fish also utilize the Flambeau and Manitowish rivers. The Manitowish River also has a fish refuge in spring. Due to warmer temperatures, this run usually occurs one week before the Turtle River migration. Walleye also spawn along the many miles of gravel and rock shoreline in the flowage and in the “beaver flats” region.
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Top Fish Species
Bluegill
3-10 in
Length Range
7 in
Length Range
2024
Surveyed
Abundance (CPUE)
Understanding Abundance
Abundance ratings are based on Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) measurements conducted by the MN DNR, and represent a snapshot of a species population at a given point in time
Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Survey cadence may vary by state and water body.Species Lengths
2024
Jun
2024
Sep
